XBee Firmware Upgrade Example

X-CTU Modem Configuration.jpg

MaxStream sells several Development Kits that include interface boards and cables for loading firmware upgrades. These interface boards will not connect directly to an XBee that has been soldered to a breakout board, and are rather costly if your only purpose is to upgrade the firmware.

My XBee Firmware Upgrade example demonstrates how to build a bare-bones circuit for loading firmware and configurations to the XBee radio without the need for custom interface boards.

4 Responses to “XBee Firmware Upgrade Example”


  1. 1 Somu

    Hi Mr.Rob,

    I m somu an engineering student whom is new to this zigbee.I saw your circuit on upgrading/programming new??zigbee but i failed to do so.I made a pcb circuit out from you idea on connecting but every time i tried to communicate with the zigbee a screen pop-up and state “Unable to connect to …”.Why?.I have triple checked the connections and i couldn’t get it.

    Another thing,in modem config,if i pressed ‘read’ button,another screen pop-up and state ‘Hold the reset button and this screen will go off in 10sec’,do i have to add reset button on rst pin?.

    Pls help.I can’t simply get the “Kit” cuz i have no $$$ (=>).Beside i gonna design my own board so the kit is out of my way and it’s gonna serve nothing in my project plus it too expensive.

    Pls help.Thanks.

  2. 2 Dr. Jay

    try using a 74HC04, instead of 7404 that’s listed.
    Good luck.

  3. 3 Jason

    Thanks for the info. I want to use the XBee radio to drive a couple LEDS and to do some simple logic processing without adding a Microcontroller. I’ve looked at the Maxstream development boards, but I don’t know how difficult code development is with that development kit without purchasing it.

    How can I add code to Xbee to light up a simple LED or do some logic processing on inputs before sending out? Do you have code examples on how to get started? Can I use your firmware upgrader to load code? Thanks!

  4. 4 faludi

    Check out the I/O commands in the XBee User Guide for information on using the output pins.

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